FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 4, 2024
ACCESS JUSTICE BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES THE ELECTION OF A NEW BOARD MEMBER (click here to download the press release)
Brooklyn, New York –– Access Justice Brooklyn announces the election of a new member to its Board of Directors following the organization’s meeting held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.
Joining Access Justice Brooklyn’s Board of Directors is Lauren Zimmerman, Partner at Selendy Gay Elsberg PLLC. Upon her election, Lauren shared the following:
“Access Justice Brooklyn’s vision – of an equitable Brooklyn where everyone knows their rights and has access to legal support – is a vision I passionately share. As a former public defender in Brooklyn, I saw firsthand the challenges our neighbors face when navigating the legal system. In joining Access Justice Brooklyn’s Board, I’m excited to return to this type of work and once again serve the borough I call home.”
As Access Justice Brooklyn embraces the new year, the organization is focused on bolstering its holistic programming and enhancing the definition of legal services to encompass intersecting challenges and needs. With Brooklyn at its core, Access Justice Brooklyn remains dedicated to closing the justice gap by engaging leaders like Lauren, who share in the values that drive the organization and its work.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lauren to the Access Justice Brooklyn Board. As an experienced litigator, compassionate advocate, natural connector, and proud Brooklynite, Lauren brings a combined passion and expertise that will significantly impact the advancement of the organization, development of new partnerships, and strengthening of our pioneering pro bono model. She has stepped into her new role with ease and excitement, and I look forward to us working together in service to our Brooklyn community,” said Stephen Z. Williamson, Vice Chair and Board Resource and Governance Committee Co-Chair, Access Justice Brooklyn Board of Directors.
Lauren will join a 25-member board that oversees Access Justice Brooklyn’s governance and strategic development including: Lynn E. Judell, Rukab Brash PLLC, Chair; Stephen Z. Williamson, Law Office of Stephen Z. Williamson, P.L.L.C., Vice Chair; Scottye Lindsey, Santander Bank, Treasurer; Michael Watson, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Secretary; Jack Aldrich, BlackRock; Daniel Angel, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP; Elena Bonifacio, Google; Lisa Braun, PwC; Caroline Conway, Stonepeak; Akshay Dhiman, Lazard; Brian Fryd, Cornerstone Research; Jeffrey B. Gewirtz, BSE Global; Adam B. Gilbert, Nixon Peabody LLP; Heidi Lee Henderson, Access Justice Brooklyn, President & CEO; Alexander Kaplan, Oppenheim + Zebrak, LLP; Colin S. Kelly, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP; Melanie Kotler, RenaissanceRe; Mark Lande, Island Capital Group LLC; Trish Lilley, Thompson Coburn LLP;Samuel O. Maduegbuna, Maduegbuna Cooper LLP; Thanya Polonio-Jones, Center for Reproductive Rights; Lee Popkin, Proskauer Rose LLP; Lydia Keaney Reynolds, FARFETCH; Adam Shepherd, Macquarie Group; and William Zichawo, Blackstone.
Board recruitment efforts continue as Access Justice Brooklyn seeks diverse candidates – lawyers and cross industry professionals – who possess the combined values, dedication, expertise, networks, and skills needed to fulfill the organization’s mission, surpass its goals, secure new stakeholders, and strategically propel Access Justice Brooklyn to new levels of impact.
About Access Justice Brooklyn:
Access Justice Brooklyn partners with compassionate pro bono attorneys to provide high-quality, civil legal services that help ensure equal access to the legal system. The organization’s approach prioritizes the most basic, essential elements and experiences of human life, including housing, family stability, and subsistence income. Its proven pro bono model—recruit, train, supervise, and support—also provides flexibility to address new legal issues as they emerge. Everyone, whether an attorney or not, has a role to play in expanding access to justice.
Visit www.accessjusticebrooklyn.org or email info@accessjusticebk.org to volunteer, donate, or find other ways to get involved.
Press Contact:
Melissa Starr | Senior Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives | 718-473-9209 | melissa@accessjusticebk.org
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